Scientists Discover 237-Million-Year-Old First Fully Marine Stem Amphibian Fossil 'Gerrothorax maritimus' in China

Why in the News?

Paleontologists have uncovered well-preserved fossils of a **237-million-year-old** ancient creature in Guizhou Province, China, identified as **Gerrothorax maritimus**—the first known fully marine stem amphibian in the fossil record.

Key Features / Major Points:

- Species Identification: Named *Gerrothorax maritimus*, this discovery challenges long-held scientific views by proving that certain early stem amphibians completely adapted to saltwater marine ecosystems.

- Location & Geological Context: Excavated from marine seabed deposits in Guizhou Province, South-Western China, dating back to the **Late Triassic period**.

- Physical Characteristics & Adaptations:

- Measured approximately **74 centimeters** in length.

- Possessed a flattened, broad, disc-shaped body morphology.

- Covered in thick **bony armor plates**, which provided physiological protection against saltwater as well as defense against apex marine predators like Ichthyosaurs.

- Publication: The study was published in the journal **Nature Ecology & Evolution** on October 26, 2026.

Static GK Facts:

- Amphibians: Ectothermic, tetrapod vertebrates transitioning between aquatic and terrestrial environments (e.g., frogs, salamanders).

- Triassic Period: Spanned from ~252 to 201 million years ago (the earliest period of the Mesozoic Era).

- Country Profile (China):

- Capital: Beijing | Currency: Renminbi (Yuan).

- Guizhou Province: Globally renowned for rich marine fossil beds (Lagerstätten) from the Triassic period.

One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):

Q: In which country was the fossil of the first fully marine stem amphibian, Gerrothorax maritimus, discovered?

A: China (Guizhou Province)

Q: What is the scientific name given to the newly discovered 237-million-year-old marine amphibian?

A: Gerrothorax maritimus

Q: To which geological period do the fossils of Gerrothorax maritimus belong?

A: Late Triassic Period

Q: In which international journal was this paleontological study published in October 2026?

A: Nature Ecology & Evolution

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